Friendly, 

Collaborative

Fun,

Learn More From the People Who Make it Happen

At Verde Events, our team is dedicated to crafting experiences that go beyond expectations. From immersive global conferences to inspiring incentive trips, we bring your vision to life with creativity, precision, and a personal touch. Every event is tailored to your goals—because making moments extraordinary is what we do best.

Meet The Team

Karen Coley, CMP

My beloved only daughter’s wedding is coming up, an event planner’s dream come true!

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I have great stories about a flying squirrel and a cat…but I am obsessed about my Berner.

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I delivered pizzas one night, it’s way harder than it looks.

President and Founder

Brenda James, CMP

Executive Director, Strategy & Development

I am an avid musical theater fan and have an extensive Playbill collection. 

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My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. “As you wiiiiiisssshhhhhh…”.

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I can recite all the US Presidents in order, thanks to my 4th grade history teacher.

Susan Thibodeaux, CMP

Executive Director, Operations & Events

I am a native New Yorker.

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I never met a dog I didn’t like. —

I have always had a passion for theater and had the honor of performing live on stage at The Getty and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Joey Castaldo

Director of Event Experience

I am a coffee addict and firm believer that the best conversations in life happen over a cup of coffee. —

Running is my favorite form of stress relief! I plan to run the Chicago marathon next year. —

I love the ocean! Yachts, ships, jet skis, kayaks… It doesn’t matter, just get me on the water!

I’m a dog lover and have one of my own, Frank

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My bucket list trip is to stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives, which I’ll be checking off the list during my honeymoon! —

I’ve kept every event badge/credential I’ve ever received!

Emily Greenbaum, CMP

Director, Procurement & Experiential Operations

Grace Costello

I was in a TV commercial as a kid.

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I spent the summer after college backpacking through Europe.

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I have a hidden love for horseback riding

Creative Event Manager

Kayman Nixon

Associate Account Manager

 I attend an average of 25 concerts each year, and yes – Beyoncé is the best of the best.

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I’ve flown halfway across the country to see a basketball game on a whim, so I’m willing to go the extra mile for things I care about.  

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I do a weekly trivia game with my friends! My specialties are music, track & field, pop culture, and Parks & Rec.  

Marie Fiorenzi

My first job was working at Chick-fil-A. To this day, I still say “My pleasure!”

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I love to travel. One of my favorite vacations was to Banff, where I got engaged, & my honeymoon will be in Switzerland.

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Growing up in South Florida, I didn’t experience a true cold winter until I moved to Chicago. I learned I love the snow and cold weather!

Senior Creative Event Coordinator

Giselle Jimenez

I met Martha Stewart in the Wynn Las Vegas Casino.

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I pride myself on my good sense of direction.

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My favorite destination I’ve ever been is Bora Bora.

Creative Event Coordinator

Avery Page

Creative Event Coordinator

I studied abroad in London, and it sparked my love for travel, pubs, and British history.

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Growing up, my dream was to be a professional dancer - counting to eight will always feel more natural than counting to ten.

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I swapped palm trees in Southern California for snowstorms in Chicago 3 years ago, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

Terri Butler, CPA

Accountant